20 safe after vessel hits platform, sinks in Gulf

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Officials say an offshore supply boat struck a production platform in the Gulf of Mexico on Friday and sank after all 20 people aboard were transferred safely to another boat.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Ivan Barnes says none of the 16 passengers or four crew members on the boat was injured. The incident happened shortly after 9:15 a.m. about 15 miles west of Southwest Pass near the mouth of the Mississippi River.

Barnes says workers were using boom to contain a small amount of fuel that apparently spilled from the vessel and left a sheen on the surface.

The vessel was operated by B&J Martin Inc. of Galliano. Company spokesman Jimmie Martin said all passengers aboard the vessel were offshore workers.